Langleeford via Scald Hill up The Cheviot: route map, distance and time
816 m · Pennines
The Cheviot is the highest hill in Northumberland, a broad peat-topped summit near the Scottish border climbed from the Harthope Valley.
You climb the ridge over Scald Hill on a clear path, then follow flagstones across the peat to the trig point.
Langleeford via Scald Hill at a glance
| Distance | 5.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 587 m |
| Time up | 2h 10m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 20m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Langleeford, Harthope Valley (roadside parking) |
| Start grid reference | NT 946 218 |
| Summit grid reference | NT 907 205 |
Langleeford via Scald Hill map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Langleeford via Scald Hill takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 45m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 3h 20m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 35m | 4h 5m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:45, sunset 18:02. Start by 13:42 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:47, sunset 17:59. Start by 13:39 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
The Cheviot summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 11 mph gusting 17 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:45, sunset 18:02.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 30 mph gusting 38 mph, 80% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:47, sunset 17:59.
Best day of the next seven for Langleeford via Scald Hill: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 17 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour The Cheviot forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb The Cheviot?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Southern Uplands forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -4°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About The Cheviot
The Cheviot is the highest hill in Northumberland, a broad peat-topped summit near the Scottish border climbed from the Harthope Valley. More about The Cheviot, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Comb Fell (653 m), 2.4 km south-east
Challenges that include The Cheviot
More walks from Langleeford, Harthope Valley
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Harthope Valley via Housey Crags up Hedgehope Hill
Other routes up The Cheviot
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harthope Burn round | 7.3 km one way | 569 m | 2h 25m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NT 946 218, the summit at NT 907 205), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Langleeford via Scald Hill: questions and answers
How far is Langleeford via Scald Hill?
Langleeford via Scald Hill is 5.8 km one way to the summit of The Cheviot, with 587 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 11.6 km.
How long does Langleeford via Scald Hill take?
About 2h 10m to the summit of The Cheviot and 3h 20m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Langleeford via Scald Hill?
Langleeford via Scald Hill starts from Langleeford, Harthope Valley (roadside parking). The grid reference is NT 946 218.
Is Langleeford via Scald Hill suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Langleeford via Scald Hill today?
By 13:42 at the latest. Sunset on The Cheviot today is 18:02, Langleeford via Scald Hill takes about 3h 20m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Langleeford via Scald Hill?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).